Heloise: Recycle cellphones

Dear Readers: Today it is hard to find anyone who doesn’t own a cellphone! In the United States alone, people upgrade to a new phone every year or so. This means there are millions of phones waiting to be recycled!

Throwing them into the trash is not eco-friendly, since cellphones contain metals, copper and other hazardous-waste components.

The best way to recycle is to research which groups or companies are accepting them in your community. Many phone retailers, state or local waste-management companies and charities collect them to refurbish and give to battered-women’s shelters or those in the military.

You can keep up with technology and do the right thing for the environment! — Heloise

Dear Readers: We bathe our dogs as needed, but rarely do we clean their collars and leashes! Here are a few hints to help you:

For canvas or nylon leashes and collars, brush to remove dirt and other yuck, and take off all metal tags. Use a little detergent in the washing machine, and put the leash and collar into a cotton pillowcase and tie (or safety-pin) it closed. Place in the washing machine on the gentle cycle, and let the items air-dry. Don’t put them in the dryer!

For leather items, wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth and clean periodically with saddle soap, if needed. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I am an artist and have to change paintings often. That can leave an ugly nail hole. I just use an old sewing-machine needle. They are strong and sharp, and sewers change them often (recycle!). I nail gently, up to the hilt (like a small nail), with a hammer, to where the needle gets fatter. When I pull it out, it won’t leave a big hole. — Andy P., via email

Andy, have you been peeking at my walls? I’ve done this for years, but please note that this is for lightweight items.

I’ve also used several needles for one painting. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.